I am really excited to see that quite a few of my former students have joined and plan to join. I would really like to know what has been going on in your professional journey. I know many have pursued BSW degrees and other undergraduate degrees. I know of at least four of you enrolled in MSW programs or masters level counseling programs. Let us know what you have been up to and lets see how we might continue to support each other. For those of you finding the platform some other way, we would really like to get to know you as well. Where are you in your professional journey? Where are you headed? In what ways could you use support? I think we've got a lot of potential here already. I hope you can all make it to the coffee hour session this weekend. No real agenda other than figure how this platform can be best utilized. Make sure to check out the Calendar tab at the top for scheduled events. Looking forward to seeing those of you who can attend. -Coty

Did you know that the Center for Credentialing & Education offers a certification for those holding at least an associates degree in a human service related field? Both of these would qualify: BridgeValley students with an AAS in Human Services & Rehabilitation Studies Mountwest students with an AAS in Alcohol & Drug Counseling In addition to the education, you need 350 hours of postgraduate, relevant experience (paid or volunteer). With both of these conditions met, you qualify to sit for the HS-BCPE. Once you pass the exam, you can use the post-nominals HS-BCP. Certification post-nominals can be listed after your academic qualification and any license that you hold. For example: Dakota Collins, MA, LPC, NCC, HS-BCP For many of you it would be: Name, AAS, HS-BCP The requirements can be found here: https://www.cce-global.org/credentialing/hsbcp/requirements

Tomorrow will be our first coffee hour and I sincerely hope you all can make it. 1. I cannot wait to hear more from former students. Where you been? Where you going? 2. I cannot wait to meet others who have found the community or were referred and decided to join. 3. What do we want this space to be? You can find the link by clicking on the "Calendar" tab at the top of the site. Even if you only have a few minutes, I'd love for you to drop in! I am working on getting content, including videos, created for the basic courses. The courses are meant to complement the live workshops. Core courses (and workshops) available for premium users and former students will always be: 1. Basic Counseling Skills 2. Motivational Interviewing 3. Interpersonal Dynamics & Emotional Growth Let's see what we can build together here!

This is a brand new space for equipping future helping professionals for success. For the last five years, I have been teaching at the undergraduate level and now I would like to make much of the content and support more accessible to those outside of the college or university. With this platform, I will run monthly training and information sessions to help you learn how to become a counselor. This not only means skill development, but personal formation as well. A dysregulated counselor is a liability in session. If we are to help others navigate intense experiences, we must first be able to navigate them. Self-regulation is essential for successful co-regulation. Experiencing co-regulation is the means to self-regulation. You can't give that which you have no received. Now I need your feedback. What would you like me to prioritize? Personal development workshops, basic counseling skills, or the licensing process among various professions?

Yesterday, a bill was introduced to the state senate (West Virginia) to create a new professional license. If it passes, it will become possible to be credentialed as Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor. (Link to bill below.) This does not alter the scope of practice for other professional licenses but grants a restricted scope of practice to those specifically trained in addiction treatment. https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=sb897%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=897